Written by

Tim Sullivan

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

Michigan has long been in strong standing with Woodbridge (Va.) defensive end Da’Shawn Hand, the country’s top 2014 football prospect. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder maintains a top three of the Wolverines, Alabama and Florida, with U-M thought to be the leader.

As for when he’ll make his college decision, Hand long has said “when I’m ready.” That time is coming: The five-star will make his college choice Nov. 14, his 18th birthday.

"I will be committing on Nov. 14 at my school,” he said. “Can't wait to get this over with.”

Hand’s final process will include official visits to each of his three finalists. The only date he’s sure of thus far is a Sept. 7 trip to Ann Arbor to see the second edition of the Under the Lights rivalry against Notre Dame.

"I don't have any other visits planned," he said. "I will visit Florida and Alabama, but I don't know when yet. I want to do these visits to fill in the blanks on each school. The main factor right now is if I can live there."

Hand has visited two of his finalists in the past. His off-season trip to Ann Arbor — during which he saw the opening of the Wolverines’ spring football camp — helped boost U-M on his list. He also saw Alabama this spring but has yet to make his first trip to Gainesville, Fla.

Helping U-M’s case to land Hand is his friendship with some players already committed to the 2014 class. He has been in touch with Paramus (N.J.) Catholic cornerback Jabrill Peppers, his companion at the top of the nation’s preps lists, and spent some of his time at June’s Rivals Five-Star Challenge elite camp in Chicago talking with St. Clairsville, Ohio, linebacker Michael Ferns.

With Michigan considered a tentative favorite, the setting of a decision date can only be positive for the Maize and Blue. Also in Michigan’s favor is that his return to Ann Arbor is scheduled, while the other two schools are still waiting to finalize trips.

Tim Sullivan is the football recruiting editor of The Wolverine magazine and thewolverine.com. He is also a contributor to national football recruiting coverage on the rivals.com network. You can follow him on Twitter @tims_wolverine.